Device for accommodatiing discoid information carriers

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a device for accommodating discoid information carriers, of hinge-opening conformation and provided with a support element for the information carrier. The device comprises at least one arrest key to fix the information carrier at least transverse to a plate plane. The arrest key is provided with an entry bevel to deflect an arrest part of the arrest key upon depression of the information carrier transverse to the plate plane. The information carrier is at least locally supported along its outer edge. In the area of the outer edge, there is an action upon the information carrier by the arrest key. At least one spring element acts upon the information carrier in the area of its edge with a force transverse to the plate plane. The spring element is arranged in the area of the arrest key. The arrest key, in an arrested condition, arrests both the information carrier and the tensed spring element. The spring element is so arranged that a spring tension is preassigned by a positioning of the information carrier in an arresting position.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application is a continuation of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/DE00/01039 filed Mar. 31, 2000 which was published in the German language on Nov. 2, 2000 the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a device for accommodating discoid information carriers, of hinge-opening conformation, provided with a support element for the information carrier and comprising at least one arrest key to fix the information carrier at least transverse to a flat plane, in which the arrest key is provided with an entry incline to deflect an arrest part of the arrest key transverse to the flat plane upon depression of the information carrier.

[0003] Such a package is disclosed for example in EP-OS 0,671,743. Here the arrest key is arranged in a corner area of the package and simultaneously arrests both the discoid information carrier and an upper portion of the hinge-opening package relative to a lower portion. By depression of the arrest key in an arrest position, the discoid information carrier, configured as a “compact disk,” is fixed relative to a central holding element protruding through a central hole in the compact disk.

[0004] Other possibilities for arranging arrest keys in the area of packages for discoid information carriers are described in EP-OS 0,855,716. That publication in particular has disclosed holding discoid information carriers in such manner as to avoid central holding elements protruding through the central hole of a compact disk.

[0005] International Patent Application WO 93/01,598 describes a package unit for compact disks in which use is made of an arrest key protruding through the central hole of the compact disk. Upon pressure on the key, levers are simultaneously swung, being arranged in a vicinity of the central hole. In this way, synchronously with pressure on the arrest key, the compact disk is lifted against the pressure acting on the arrest key.

[0006] International Patent Application WO 96/14,636 describes another package for compact disks, having a centrally arranged arrest key. In addition to the arrest key, spring links are arranged that act with spring tension on the compact disk along an inner edge encircling the central hole. After depression of the arrest key, and a resulting unlocking, the spring links lead to a lifting of the compact disk.

[0007] The packages known in the prior art for discoid information carriers fail to satisfy all the requirements applicable to user-friendly handling. Specifically, a user still finds it a less than optimum solution when an operation of taking the information carrier out of the package is performed.

[0008] The object of the invention, then, is to design a device of the kind mentioned introductorily in such manner as to improve user convenience.

[0009] This object is accomplished, according to the invention, in that the information carrier is supported at least locally along its outer edge, and in that, in the area of the outer edge, the information carrier is acted upon by the arrest key, in that at least one spring element acts upon the information carrier in the area of its edge with a force transverse to the plate plane, in that the spring element is arranged in the area of the arrest key, in that the arrest key in arresting position arrests both the information carrier and the tense spring element, and in that the spring element is so arranged that a spring tension is preassigned by positioning of the information carrier in an arrest position.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to facilitate direct manual access to the information carrier.

[0011] This object is accomplished, according to the invention, in that the information carrier is supported at least locally along its outer edge and in that, along the outer edge of the information carrier, at least two arrest keys are arranged substantially diametrally relative to each other, relative to a center of the information carrier.

[0012] A compact embodiment is favored in that the spring element is arranged between two side struts of the arrest key.

[0013] An enhanced stability by spatial distribution of areas of introduction of force into the support element may be achieved by arranging at least one spring element laterally alongside the arrest key.

[0014] A typical embodiment is characterized in that the support element is arranged in the area of a cassette comprising a top part, a bottom part and a spine joining the top part to the bottom part.

[0015] A high-load-capacity and at the same time economically producible connection of the several components is provided in that the spine is connected to the top part and the bottom part by way of film articulations.

[0016] Economical manufacture is also favored in that the spring element is made in one piece with the support element.

[0017] Consideration has also been given to making the arrest key in one piece with the support element.

[0018] For improved positioning of the information carrier, it is possible for a central bracket of the support element to extend through a central hole in the information carrier.

[0019] An avoidance of deflections of the information carrier can be achieved in that the central bracket is at least locally surrounded by a flange to support the information carrier.

[0020] An ergonomically especially advantageous embodiment is provided in that the arrest key is swingable horizontally about an axis of rotation, arranged substantially parallel to a plate plane of the information carrier.

[0021] An advantageous introduction of forces into the support element on removal of the information carrier can be achieved in that the arrest key is vertically swingable about an axis of rotation arranged substantially parallel to a plate plane of the information carrier.

[0022] Swingable arrest keys can be provided in that a rotary articulation of the arrest key is arranged between a pressure area provided for manual actuation and a holding projection to act upon the information carrier.

[0023] To make possible a manual contact with the information carrier during performance of a swing of the arrest key, it is proposed that the rotary articulation be arranged in an area of the arrest key away from the holding projection.

[0024] A removal of the information carrier on performance of a rotary motion is achieved in that two arrest keys are swung in the same direction relative to a midpoint of the information carrier upon manual actuation.

[0025] A removal of the information carrier from the cassette upon performance of a thrusting motion is achieved in that two arrest keys are swung in opposed directions relative to a center of the information carrier upon manual actuation.

[0026] A modified holding of the information carrier may be arrived at in that the information carrier is acted upon by a groove in the area of the arrest key.

[0027] For simultaneous action upon the information carrier by clamping forces perpendicular to the plate plane and within the plate plane, it is proposed that the information carrier be acted upon in the area of the holding projection by an inclined flank running at an angle to a plate plane of the information carrier.

[0028] An additional clamping of the information carrier may also be produced in that the groove comprises side walls extending at an angle to each other.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] In the drawing, embodiments of the invention are schematically represented by way of example. Thus,

[0030]FIG. 1 is a top view of a device hinged open, having two holding keys arranged opposed to each other in accordance with the present invention,

[0031]FIG. 2 is a cross-section view of the device of FIG. 1, the section being taken along line II-II thereof in FIG. 1,

[0032]FIG. 3 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but showing a modified embodiment having swingable holding keys, all in accordance with the present invention,

[0033]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary section view showing a groove-like holder grasping an information carrier along its outer edge in accordance with the present invention,

[0034]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatical view of a swingable arrest lever in accordance with the present invention,

[0035]FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIG. 5 but showing a modified embodiment of a swingable arrest lever with the rotary articulation displaced in accordance with the present invention,

[0036]FIG. 7 is a diagrammatical side-view illustration of an arrest key with spring elements arranged on either side in accordance with the present invention,

[0037]FIG. 8 is a view of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7 as seen looking in the direction of arrow VIII, and

[0038]FIG. 9 is a diagrammatical view showing an enlarged representation of a clamp element to apply clamping forces both transverse to the plate plane and also within the plate plane in accordance with the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039]FIG. 1 shows an embodiment in which a cassette 2 is used to accommodate a discoid information carrier 1. The cassette 2 consists of a top 3, a bottom 4 and a back 5 connecting the top 3 to the bottom 4. The top 3 and the bottom 4 are each connected to the back 5 by film articulations 6, 7.

[0040] In the area of the bottom 4, a support element 8 for the information carrier 1 is arranged. The support element 8 may be configured as a separate insert for the bottom 4, or alternatively a one-piece embodiment may be adopted.

[0041] For releasable fixation of the information carrier 1 in the area of the support element 8, two arrest keys 9 are employed. In a vicinity of the arrest key 9, spring elements 10 are arranged to act upon the information carrier 1. The spring elements 10 press the information carrier 1 in a direction away from the support element 8 and, upon actuation of the arrest key 9, produce a lifting motion of the information carrier 1.

[0042] To make possible a holding of a printed accessory 11, the top 3 is provided with spring tongues 12. Clamp tongues 13 are employed to retain top 3 in a closed position relative to bottom 4.

[0043] The design construction of the cassette 2 is further illustrated by the cross-section in FIG. 2. In particular, it is seen that the support element 8 comprises a tub-like conformation whose dimensioning is adapted to a dimensioning of the information carrier 1. As information carriers 1, for example compact disks or DVDs may be accommodated. In a central area, the support element 8 is provided with a central bracket 14 extending through a central hole 15 of the information carrier 1 and serving to center the information carrier 1. Along its circumference, the information carrier 1 is supported at least locally by a feature 16 of the support element 8. An additional support is provided by a flange 17 in a vicinity of the central bracket 14.

[0044] The arrest key 9 is provided with a holding projection 18 and an entry bevel 19. Upon insertion of the information carrier 1, it at first slides along the entry incline 19, thereby bending back the arrest key 9. After a sufficient lowering of the information carrier 1, the arrest key 9 springs back and the holding projection 18 surmounts the information carrier 1. During the insertion of the information carrier 1, the spring element 10 is tensed synchronously.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the spring element 10 is configured as a strut extending obliquely and having an angled support flange 20 in the vicinity of its end. The support flange 20 extends in an arrest position substantially parallel to the plane of the information carrier 1.

[0046]FIG. 3 shows a modified embodiment relative to FIG. 1. The arrest keys 9 are here swingable relative to an axis of rotation component extending substantially perpendicular to the plate plane of the information carrier 1. Upon actuation of the arrest keys 9, these are swung with their holding projections 18 away from the information carrier 1 by the swinging motion, so that the information carrier may be removed from the cassette 2.

[0047]FIG. 4 shows an embodiment in which the information carrier 1 is held by a U-shaped groove 21 in the area of the arrest key 9. The groove 21 is bounded by a support projection 22 in the area of one side of the holding projection 18 and in the area of an opposed side of a support projection 22. Additionally, the arrest key 9 has a pressure area 23 to support a manual actuation and the performance of an opening and closing motion of a swing base 24. Upon swinging of the arrest key 9, after release of the information carrier 1 by the holding projection 18, a lifting by the support projection 22 takes place.

[0048]FIG. 5 shows a simplified representation of a swingable arrest key 9 positionable perpendicular to the plane of the information carrier 1 relative to an axis of rotation. In the embodiment shown, the axis of rotation is schematized as a pin-like pivot 25. To simplify manufacturing production, actually consideration is given to sectors of arrest key 9 extending oblique to the plane of the information carrier, where upon action on the arrest key 9, a positioning motion is performed in at least two dimensions. Such designs are easily manufactured by the art of injection molding.

[0049]FIG. 6 shows a modified embodiment with respect to FIG. 5, in which the rotary articulation 5 is arranged at a greater distance from the information carrier 1. In this embodiment, the idea is that in manual actuation a user's finger acts on the arrest key 9 between the rotary articulation 25 and the information carrier 1. In the embodiment according to FIG. 5, the idea was to perform the action in question on a side of the arrest key 9 away from the information carrier 1. In the embodiment according to FIG. 6, there is already contact between a user's finger and the information carrier during the performance of the swinging motion of the arrest key 9.

[0050]FIG. 8 illustrates a possible arrangement of spring elements 10 relative to the arrest key 9. Here, in addition to the arrest key 9, spring elements 10 are provided both on the left and on the right. In the embodiment according to FIG. 1, the spring element 10 was arranged between lateral boundary struts of the arrest keys.

[0051] According to the modified embodiment in FIG. 9, the arrest key 9 is provided with an inclined flank 26 to act upon the information carrier 1. The oblique arrangement here refers to the positioning of the information carrier 1 relative to the plate plane. By the chosen spatial orientation of the inclined flank 26, the pressure generated is divided into a vertical force 27 perpendicular to the plate plane and a horizontal force 28 in the direction of the plate plane. In this way, both a vertical clamping and a horizontal clamping of the information carrier 1 can be produced. 

1. A device for accommodating discoid information carriers, of hinge-opening configuration and provided with a support element for the information carrier, comprising at least one arrest key to fix the information carrier at least transverse to a plate plane, in which the arrest key is provided with an entry bevel to deflect an arrest part of the arrest key transverse to the plate plane upon depression of the information carrier, characterized in that the information carrier (1) is at least locally supported along its outer edge and in that adjacent the outer edge, the information carrier (1) is acted upon by the arrest key (9), in that at least one spring element (10) exerts a force transverse to the plate plane on the information carrier (1) adjacent its edge, and in that the spring element (10) is arranged adjacent the arrest key (9), in that the arrest key (9) in an arrested condition arrests both the information carrier (1) and the tensed spring element (10), and in that the spring element (10) is so arranged that a spring tension is preassigned by a positioning of the information carrier (1) in an arresting position.
 2. A device for accommodating discoid information carriers, of hinge-opening conformation and provided with a support element for the information carrier, comprising at least one arrest key to fix the information carrier at least transverse to a plate plane, and in which the arrest key is provided with an entry bevel to deflect an arrest part of the arrest key transverse to the plate plane upon depression of the information carrier, characterized in that the information carrier (1) is supported at least locally along its outer edge, and in that, along the outer edge of the information carrier (1), at least two arrest keys (9) are arranged, substantially diametral relative to each other in relation to a midpoint of the information carrier (1).
 3. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element is arranged between two side struts of the arrest key (9).
 4. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one spring element (10) is arranged laterally beside the arrest key (9).
 5. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the support element (8) is arranged in the area of a cassette (2) made up of a top part (3), a bottom part (4), and a back (5) connecting the top part (3) to the bottom part (4).
 6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the back (5) is connected to the top (3) and to the bottom (4) by way of film articulations (6, 7).
 7. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the spring element (10) is made in one piece with the support element (8).
 8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the arrest key (9) is made in one piece with the support element (8).
 9. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a central bracket (14) of the support element (8) extends through a central hole (15) of the information carrier (1).
 10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that the central bracket (14) is encircled at least locally by a flange (17) to support the information carrier (1).
 11. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the arrest key (9) is swingable horizontally about an axis of rotation arranged substantially perpendicular to a plate plane of the information carrier (1).
 12. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the arrest key (9) is swingable vertically about an axis of rotation arranged substantially parallel to a plate plane of the information carrier (1).
 13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that a rotary articulation (25) of the arrest key (9) is arranged between a pressure area (23) provided for manual actuation and a holding projection (18) to act upon the information carrier (1).
 14. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the rotary articulation (25) is arranged in an area of the arrest key (9) away from the holding projection (18).
 15. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that two arrest keys (9) are swung in the same direction relative to a midpoint of the information carrier (1) upon manual actuation.
 16. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that two arrest keys (9) are swung in opposed directions relative to a midpoint of the information carrier (1) upon manual actuation.
 17. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the information carrier (1) is acted upon by a groove (21) in the area of the arrest key (9).
 18. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the information carrier (1) is acted upon in the area of the holding projection (18) by an oblique flank (26) extending angled with respect to a plate plane of the information carrier (1).
 19. A device according to claim 17, characterized in that the groove (21) comprises side walls extending angled relative to each other. 